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[Oznell]

It's that time of year again.  I still have mine from about 5 years ago, mostly intact!  Recently, hubby found and cut some more in the wild.  They seem to be a different variety-- the buds are slimmer and more reddish.  

P ussy willows have that spiky, textural look that I love, and bring long-lasting nature indoors.  You'll find them in open sunny areas of wetlands, and along streams, ponds, and other bodies of water.

From "Natural Crafts and Recipes":

Blogger "Natural Crafts and Recipes" helpfully supplies many good tips, if you are interested.  Here's her map:

Once the 'fuzzies' or catkins have come out, you can cut your branches.  If they are not fully out, you can still cut branches, but put the branches in water.  When those silvery tufts are emerged enough for your liking, remove from water.  Dry the bottom of the stem carefully, and arrange in a vase, with no water.   

Just remember, no water after achieving the fuzzy catkins!

They behave like dried flowers, and last for years.   Worth the effort for the early spring drama they provide!  I keep my old ones year-round in the bedroom, spraying out from a vintage chunky vase.

There are so many dazzling images of them out there.  But I love the sweetness of this online image in the quaint vase:

 

If you can't find them in your area, you can order them from Afloral, Amazon, Walmart, tons of places! 

[PA Mom-mom]

I really like to mix them with daffodils and/or forsythia in a vase. I've never tried to dry them. They usually "bloom" with those tiny yellow flowers before I think about it.

[nevergivesup]

Thank you @Oznell for highlighting ****** Willows. I have already brought mine out for display in a large basket I keep on my fireplace hearth. I intersperse forsythia stems with them and they hold the promise of spring even though it's still quite cold and dreary here in the Hudson Valley. 

The picture you posted with the vintage vase is exactly my taste. Because I prefer a simple, classic style and have fewer decorations, I am very choosy about what I display.

I actually had a ****** Willow tree in my first home but never realized what it was for two years. It blooms early in March here and by the time I was out in my yard in April the fuzzies had turned. After that, I knew to watch for them even when there was still snow on the ground. Mother Nature just can't be beat!

[nevergivesup]

Lol. Why is my ****** Willow reference being censored @Oznell ?Yours was not. I'm still laughing and shaking my head.

[Yahooey]

@Oznell 

this is the first time i have had them in my home

got them from Trader Joe's

they splayed out too much and looked sparse and sad

i rubberband them together on the tippy botttom and it looks fuller

makes me happy when i see them

[PA Mom-mom]

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@nevergivesup wrote:

Lol. Why is my ****** Willow reference being censored @Oznell ?Yours was not. I'm still laughing and shaking my head.

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@nevergivesup  I think that's why @Oznell  put a space between the P and the rest of the word. 

[nevergivesup]

Oops, I see now @Oznell . You wisely put a space after the P. I'm not too clever with technology! Anyway, I had a good laugh.

[on the bay]

@Oznell.

P ussy Willows are very delicate looking and sweet. You know what I think would look great with them?

Queen Annes Lace-

I used to collect all kinds of weeds. They are so interesting and some so beautiful.

[We rescue cats]

I love P ussy Willows! I bought several stems a year or two ago and had them in a vase, added some water when we added lilac blossoms, were delighted to have new branches to plant in the yard!

[Oznell]

Thanks, @nevergivesup .  Yep, @nevergivesup and @PA Mom-mom ,  I learned to my sorrow to space the letters enough so that the censoring computer would not kick in!  There are a few other innocent words they do that to.

@Yahooey ,  STUNNING!   Your whole collection of blooms is magnificent and must indeed make you happy looking at it.  Thanks for posting.

@on the bay ,  good idea for a lovely combo!

@We rescue cats ,  oh, that's great-- the more p ussy willows that get propagated, the better.   I think there's a whole gang of us who have a special feeling for these.  Especially kitty-lovers like you and me.  They're like tiny mini-kitty clones, sort of...